Weather-Sealed Mirrorless Digital Cameras

Weatherproof Mirrorless Models

Professional photographers are required to produce publication-worthy images no matter the weather. This requires tough weatherproof gear. To take hold onto the professional market, the latest generation of mirrorless cameras includes several weather-sealed models. Such cameras can handle rain, snow and dust when combined with a suitable weatherproof lens.

In this feature article, we compare the latest generation of cropped-sensor mirrorless cameras. Each of these cameras offers high image-quality in a relatively compact body and is compatible with native lenses which are comparatively smaller than their DSLR-equivalent. For completeness, we briefly describe full-frame weather-sealed mirrorless cameras in the right column. Those are not only larger but require significantly larger lenses which reduce the advantages of a mirrorless system. They are also much more expensive, reaching several thousands of dollars for the body alone.

Weather-sealed camera bodies require weather-sealed lenses for the whole to stand against the elements. This generally means that relatively more costly cameras demand more costly lenses. The only current exception is the Nikon 1 AW1Nikon 1 AW1 which is not only weatherproof but waterproof as well. That one is designed for entry-level users rather than professionals, offering a basic feature-set and limited number of controls. The right column on the next page goes into more details regarding its waterproof feature.

Table 1 - Model Prices

Brand

Camera

Recent Street Price

Fuji

X-T1

819 USD

1499 CDN

Fuji

X-T1 Graphite

1199 USD

1699 CDN

Nikon

1 AW1

579 USD

809 CDN

Olympus

OM-D E-M1

999 USD

949 CDN

Olympus

OM-D E-M5 Mark II

815 USD

899 CDN

Panasonic

Lumix DMC-GH4

810 USD

1399 CDN

Panasonic

Lumix DMC-GX8

1048 USD

1369 CDN

There are 7 contenders. Fuji has the twin X-T1Fuji X-T1 and X-T1 GraphiteFuji X-T1 Graphite which are nearly identical except for a more durable finish on the Graphite version. Nikon has the single waterproof 1 AW1Nikon 1 AW1. Olympus offers the high-end OM-D E-M1Olympus OM-D E-M1 with built-in Phase-Detect AF to support legacy Zuiko lenses and the newer OM-D E-M5 Mark IIOlympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II which relies on Contrast-Detect AF. Panasonic has the large GH4Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 with its emphasis on video and their flagship GX8Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 which offers newer technologies such as dual image-stabilization.

For the remainder of this article, the X-T1 and X-T1 Graphite are equivalent and we shall simply refer to them as X-T1. Neocamera reviewed every single of these cameras, so if any of those appears interesting, follow the links above to reach the in-depth-review. There is also an older OM-D E-M5Olympus OM-D E-M5 which is nearly identical to its Mark II version. Neither Canon nor Pentax has produced any weather-sealed mirrorless cameras yet. Sony makes all weatherproof full-frame mirrorless cameras. They do have an SLT APS-C camera which is the size of a DSLR and uses the same lenses, so it is not included here.

The prices above were found at the time of publication based on availability and usually good down over time. They are only quoted for the body, no lens or memory card is included, so do leave room in your budget to complete the system. Remember that the lens is an important aspect of DSLR image quality and should be given careful consideration. Check the lens buying guide for more information on how to choose lenses.

These mirrorless cameras, with exception of the AW1, are all aimed at professional photographers. They have extensive feature-sets and a high number of external controls. The non-Nikon ones have at least 2 control-dials, up to 4 in some cases. The AW1 is also the only one in the group without an EVF or a hot-shoe. The minimal feature set covered by all the cropped-sensor weatherproof mirrorless presented here is summarized in Table 2 here:

Table 2 - Weather-Sealed Mirrorless Common Features

14 - 20 MP

1.5X - 2.7X Crop-Factor

Interchangeable Lenses

PASM
Exposure

ISO 200-6400

1/4000s - 30s, Bulb

Multi-Segment, Center-Weighed & Spot

±3 EV EC

1920x1080 @ 30 FPS

8 FPS Drive

37+ Point AF

±2 EV FC

Auto & Preset WB

Custom WB

WB Fine-Tuning, 2 axis, 15 steps

JPEG / RAW

SDXC Memory

Lithium-Ion

3" LCD 920K Pixels

Remote

Primary differences are detailed on on page 2. In deciding among one of these cameras, primary differences relevant to your photographic needs should be considered first. Should no such difference affect your photographic needs, then it will come down do secondary differences which are described starting on page 3.

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Weatherpoof Full-Frame Mirrorless

Sony makes a series of full-frame mirrorless. Their 3 nearly identical models differ mostly in their sensors. All these offer a built-in 2.4 megapixels 0.5" EVF in a weather-sealed body with triple control-dials and built-in 5-axis image-stabilization. They also have a tilting 3" LCD with 1.2 megapixels.

The Sony Alpha A7S IISony Alpha A7S II takes low-light capabilities to the next level with a 12 megapixels CMOS sensor with ISO 100-102400 native sensitivity range which expands to a stellar ISO 50 - 409600. This sensor has an anti-alias filter and is capable of capturing Ultra-HD video without scaling or skipping to deliver the smoothest possible 4K output. The A7S II offers a 169-point Phase-Detect AF system with sensitivity to -4 EV.

These cameras reach $3200 USD for the body alone and require full-frame coverage lenses. Sony already offers a good number of full-frame E-mount weatherproof lenses which are pricey as well. The advantage of full-frame is obviously high image-quality and, while the cameras are impressively compact, corresponding lenses are not.

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